I've recently just got myself a 2001 Fiat Punto. Very pleased with it so far!

I noticed the hand brake light was flashing on occasionally - after reading through this forum I read that it could either be the brake fluid being low or the brake pads.

Brake fluid was fine (right to the top of the reservoir), so I changed the brake pads. Went to halfords and they gave me the ones that they said were best for my car. Fitted them and then noticed a very loud rattle / clunking when driving to work over bumpy ground. Thought it was maybe the wheel trims (standard Fiat ones that were all bashed) rattling - removed them and I've still got the problem.

To remove the old pads, I had to lever them off - but the new ones fitted easily. I put this down to the old pads being covered in brake dust? but maybe the new ones just don't fit properly?

Has anyone heard of this before?

Going to pop into Halfords tomorrow to make sure they definately gave me the right ones and to see if they have any suggestions. The pads look completely the same to me however.


Also, the little red handbrake light still shows itself occassionally when going round sharp corners - maybe it's just the fluid in the reservoir sloshing around?

the best pads for your car are fiat ones you will find most after market pads don't fit properly with the exception of some of the more expensive name brands I suggest you get a refund on them and get the proper stuff also clean out the calliper with a small file and use some copper slip on it were the pads contact it then you should be good again

are your calipers fitted with anti rattle springs?

got my breaks done over the weekend and they were from halfford also... they are doing exactly the same.

my mechanic is going to have a look at them later

Back to your "handbrake warning light on" problem...

Most Mk2 Punto's don't have brake pad wear indicator wiring (which puts the brake warning lamp on when the pads have worn down enough for the sensor to touch the disc).

You say the reservoir is full to the top- is that looking at it with the cap removed? Have you looked through the side of the reservoir? cos the gauze filter in the opening is so fine it doesn't always let fluid through. People often top it up and think it's full, but in reality none has entered the reservoir!:bang:

If you can see it's not on the max mark, lift up the gauze inside til it reaches the top. This then allows the fluid to pass through and you can top it up from there.

Other than that the only other cause could be the wire for the handbrake switch is chaffing against metal under the centre console and shorting to earth.

Regarding the knocking- like others have said, double check the anti-rattle plate is in place and the retaining pin is secured with its clip.